Plea to all road users by Peters

Peters stated that on 4 January most South Africans commenced their journeys back home.

“As a result, most of our major roads and routes were experiencing high traffic volumes,” she said.

Peters stated the major roads experiencing high traffic volume included the N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo, and between Gauteng, Free State and Western Cape. The N3 between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal; the N12 between Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape; the N4 between Gauteng and North West and the N4 between Gauteng and Mpumalanga were all experiencing high traffic volume.

Meanwhile, the minister thanked all road users who obeyed the rules of the road.

However, she cautioned those who still use the roads recklessly and without consideration for the law and the lives of other road uses. “Law enforcement officers will ensure that they arrest and fine all those found transgressing our traffic laws. Since the beginning of the festive season, we have seen an overall decrease in the number of fatal crashes on our roads as compared to previous years,” said Peters.

She said from 1 to 30 December last year, they registered 924 fatal crashes with 1 143 fatalities. During the same period under review in 2013, the department registered 974 fatal crashes with 1 168 fatalities.

“This demonstrates a reduction of 50 fatal crashes and 25 fatalities. But of serious concern are the drivers who are fatigued, who drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs, undocumented drivers as well as un-roadworthy vehicles.”

The minister urged all road users to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, that they take regular breaks and adhere to the speed limit and buckle-up. She also appealed to pedestrians to ensure they do not cross the road when it was not safe to do so. “They must not drink and walk,” Peters said.

She also urged road users to report blatant traffic offences, un-roadworthy vehicles or aggressive, irresponsible, negligent or reckless driving behaviour by calling 0861 400 800.